Intake manifold with improved exhaust gas recirculation

Abstract

Intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and methods of using the same are disclosed. The intake manifolds accommodate the introduction of exhaust gas that has been recirculated from the main exhaust gas stream. The exhaust gas can be introduced into the intake manifold through aerodynamically shaped members that are located inside the manifold. Alternatively, the exhaust gas can be introduced into the manifold at or near the intersection of the primary runners and the plena, or the exhaust gas can be introduced into a mixing chamber located between the primary runners and the plena.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, the manifold comprising: 
       a. an air inlet;  
       b. a plenum, the plenum being in fluid communication with the air inlet;  
       c. a plurality of primary runners, the primary runners being attached to and in fluid communication with the plenum; and,  
       d. an EGR inlet located adjacent each intersection of a primary runner and the plenum.  
     
     
       2. The intake manifold of  claim 1  further comprising a secondary runner located between and in fluid communication with the air inlet and the plenum. 
     
     
       3. An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, the manifold comprising: 
       a. an air inlet;  
       b. a plenum, the plenum being in fluid communication with the air inlet;  
       c. a plurality of primary runners, the primary runners being attached to and in fluid communication with the plenum; and,  
       d. an EGR inlet located at each intersection of a primary runner and the plenum.  
     
     
       4. An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, the manifold comprising: 
       a. an air inlet;  
       b. at least two secondary runners, each secondary runner being adjacent to and in fluid communication with the air inlet;  
       c. at least two plena, each plenum being adjacent to and in fluid communication with one of the secondary runners;  
       d. at least two primary runners attached to and in fluid communication with each plenum; and  
       e. an EGR inlet located adjacent each intersection of a primary runner and a plenum.